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Past Questions — 2025
Alexander the Great conquered India inthe year-
A)
326 BC
B)
327 BC
C)
326 BC
D)
325 BC
Alexander the Great, the King of Macedonia, invaded the Indian subcontinent in 326 BC. His most significant engagement in India was the Battle of the Hydaspes, fought in 326 BC against King Porus of the Paurava kingdom. Although he won the battle, his army eventually refused to advance further east toward the Ganges plain due to exhaustion and fear of the powerful Nanda Empire, leading to his retreat. Note: In the provided options, 'a' and 'c' are identical (326 BC), but 326 BC is the historically accurate date for his entry and major conquest in India.
A bilateral naval exercise called Exercise Varuna is between India and which country?
A)
Australia
B)
USA
C)
France
D)
Germany
Exercise Varuna is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. It is designed to enhance interoperability, promote maritime security, and strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France.
Analysis of other options:
- Australia: India conducts exercises such as 'AUSINDEX' with Australia.
- USA: India conducts major exercises such as 'Malabar' (which is also multilateral) and 'SIMBEX' (with Singapore, though USA is a key partner in Malabar).
- Germany: While India maintains defense ties with Germany, 'Varuna' is specifically the designated exercise for France.
Who was the leader of the Aligarh Movement?
A)
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
B)
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
C)
Allama Iqbal
D)
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
The Aligarh Movement was a 19th-century socio-educational reform movement among the Muslims of South Asia. It was founded and led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who aimed to modernize Muslim society by promoting Western education and scientific thought while maintaining Islamic values. His most significant contribution was the establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later became the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah: He was a key political leader and the founder of Pakistan, active much later than the start of the Aligarh Movement.
- Allama Iqbal: He was a philosopher and poet who provided the ideological basis for a separate Muslim state, but he was not the founder of the Aligarh Movement.
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: He was a prominent scholar and the first Education Minister of independent India, known for his opposition to the partition of India.
Which of the following rivers does not originate in India?
A)
Ganga
B)
Yamuna
C)
Indus
D)
Beas
To determine which river does not originate in India, we analyze the source of each river listed in the options:
1. **Ganga (Option a):** Originates in India at the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
2. **Yamuna (Option b):** Originates in India at the Yamunotri Glacier on the Bandarpunch peak in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
3. **Indus (Option c):** Originates in Tibet (China) near Lake Mansarovar in the Kailash mountain range. It flows northwest through Tibet before entering India in the Ladakh region.
4. **Beas (Option d):** Originates in India at the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Since the Indus River originates in Tibet, China, and not in India, it is the correct answer.
Which of the following Gods was not worshipped by the Rig Vedic people?
A)
Agni
B)
Indra
C)
Krishna
D)
Varuna
The Rig Vedic period (Early Vedic Period, approx. 1500–1000 BCE) was characterized by the worship of personified forces of nature.
1. Indra: The most important deity in the Rig Veda, known as the God of Thunder and Rain and the 'breaker of forts' (Purandara).
2. Agni: The God of Fire, acting as the intermediary between gods and humans; he is one of the most frequently mentioned deities in the Rig Veda.
3. Varuna: The upholder of the cosmic order (Rta) and the God of Water/Oceans.
In contrast, Lord Krishna is a central figure of the Puranic and Epic periods (Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita), which occurred significantly later than the composition of the Rig Veda. The concept of 'Avataras' (incarnations) and the specific worship of Krishna did not exist during the Early Vedic/Rig Vedic era.
What does the term ‘Social Capital’ refer to?
A)
Government funding for social programs
B)
Economic resources owned by society
C)
Networks of relationships among people ina society
D)
Total wealth ofa country
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Definition of Social Capital**: In sociology and economics, 'Social Capital' does not refer to financial or material wealth, but rather to the 'capital' derived from social connections. It encompasses the networks, norms, and trust that enable participants to act together more effectively to pursue shared objectives.
2. **Evaluating Option (c)**: This option correctly identifies that social capital refers to the 'networks of relationships.' These relationships facilitate cooperation, reciprocity, and mutual benefit, which aligns perfectly with the academic definition provided in the reference context.
3. **Evaluating Option (a)**: Government funding for social programs is referred to as 'social spending' or 'public expenditure,' not social capital.
4. **Evaluating Option (b)**: Economic resources owned by society generally refer to 'public goods' or 'collective assets.'
5. **Evaluating Option (d)**: The total wealth of a country is measured by indicators like GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or GNI (Gross National Income), which represent 'economic capital' rather than 'social capital.'
Therefore, option (c) is the only correct sociological definition.
“Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ Award recently awarded to a leader from India is-
A)
Dr. S. Jaishankar
B)
Narendra Modi
C)
Rajnath Singh
D)
Amit Shah
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' during his visit to Barbados. This is the highest award given by the government of Barbados. The award recognizes the Prime Minister's leadership and India's contribution to the global community, as well as the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Barbados.
- Option (a) Dr. S. Jaishankar: While he is the External Affairs Minister and manages diplomatic relations, he was not the recipient of this specific award.
- Option (c) Rajnath Singh: The Defence Minister has not been awarded this honor.
- Option (d) Amit Shah: The Home Minister has not been awarded this honor.
In India, which body releases the Poverty Line estimates?
A)
NITIAayog
B)
Reserve Bank of India
C)
Ministry of Finance
D)
National Statistical Office
In India, the estimation of the poverty line is a collaborative process involving data collection and policy analysis. The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which is now part of the National Statistical Office (NSO), is responsible for collecting the primary consumption expenditure data. However, the official poverty line estimates and the formulation of poverty benchmarks are traditionally handled by a task force or a planning body. Historically, this was the Planning Commission, which has been replaced by NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog utilizes the data provided by the NSO/NSSO to calculate and release the official poverty estimates.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The RBI focuses on monetary policy, banking regulation, and currency management, not on social indicators like the poverty line.
- c. Ministry of Finance: While it manages the budget and fiscal policy, it does not independently conduct the statistical analysis to define the poverty line.
- d. National Statistical Office (NSO): The NSO (incorporating NSSO) is the data-gathering agency that provides the raw statistics, but the 'estimation' and 'definition' of the poverty line are the prerogative of the planning body (NITI Aayog).
Which district in India has the highest literacy?
A)
Malappuram district in Kerala
B)
Serchhip district in Mizoram
C)
Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu
D)
Mokokchung district in Nagaland
Based on the Census of India 2011 (which remains the primary official source for district-level literacy data used in competitive exams), Serchhip district in Mizoram recorded the highest literacy rate in India, with a literacy rate of approximately 98.23%.
Analysis of other options:
- Malappuram (Kerala): While Kerala has the highest state-level literacy, Malappuram has historically been one of the lower-performing districts within Kerala compared to others like Kottayam.
- Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu): While highly literate, it does not reach the peak levels seen in the northeastern districts of Mizoram.
- Mokokchung (Nagaland): This district has a high literacy rate, but it is lower than that of Serchhip.
Therefore, Serchhip is recognized as the district with the highest literacy rate in India.
Which organization publishes the Global Hunger Index?
A)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
B)
World Bank
C)
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
D)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a joint publication produced by Welthungerhilfe (a German NGO) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). While Welthungerhilfe is often cited as the primary releasing organization, IFPRI is the key academic and research partner responsible for the methodology and data analysis. Among the given options, IFPRI is the only organization involved in the publication of the GHI.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. UNDP: Focuses on human development and publishes the Human Development Index (HDI).
- b. World Bank: Focuses on global poverty reduction and financial assistance; it does not publish the GHI.
- d. FAO: While the FAO tracks food security and publishes 'The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World' (SOFI) report, it is not the publisher of the Global Hunger Index.
The concept of ‘Concurrent List’ in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from which country?
A)
United States
B)
United Kingdom
C)
Canada
D)
Australia
The Indian Constitution is a blend of various global constitutional features. The concept of the 'Concurrent List'—a list of subjects on which both the Central (Union) and State governments can make laws—was borrowed from the Constitution of Australia.
Analysis of other options:
- a. United States: India borrowed the Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, and the removal of Supreme Court/High Court judges from the US.
- b. United Kingdom: India borrowed the Parliamentary form of government, Rule of Law, and the Single Citizenship from the UK.
- c. Canada: India borrowed the concept of a 'Federation with a strong Centre' and the appointment of State Governors from Canada.
- d. Australia: In addition to the Concurrent List, India also borrowed the concept of joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament from Australia.
What is the maximum number of members in the Rajya Sabha?
A)
180
B)
200
C)
250
D)
500
According to Article 80 of the Constitution of India, the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha (the Council of States) is fixed at 250 members. This composition consists of:
1. Not more than 238 representatives of the States and Union Territories, elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories (where applicable).
2. 12 members nominated by the President of India for their special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service.
Therefore, the total maximum capacity is 238 + 12 = 250. Options a (180), b (200), and d (500) are incorrect as they do not align with the constitutional limit.
What is the chemical symbol for gold?
A)
Au
B)
Ag
C)
Pb
D)
Fe
The chemical symbol for gold is 'Au', which is derived from the Latin word 'Aurum', meaning 'shining dawn'.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Ag: This is the symbol for Silver (from the Latin 'Argentum').
- c. Pb: This is the symbol for Lead (from the Latin 'Plumbum').
- d. Fe: This is the symbol for Iron (from the Latin 'Ferrum').
The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of-
A)
Only members of Lok Sabha
B)
Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
C)
Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States
D)
Members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States
According to Article 54 of the Constitution of India, the President is elected by an electoral college. This electoral college consists of:
1. The elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
2. The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry).
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because it excludes the Rajya Sabha and State Assemblies.
- Option (b) is incorrect because it excludes the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
- Option (c) is incorrect because it excludes the members of Parliament.
- Option (d) is correct as it comprehensively lists the components of the electoral college as per constitutional provisions.
The World Bank classifies countries into different income groups based on-
A)
GDP growth rate
B)
Per capita income
C)
Employment rate
D)
Population size
The World Bank classifies economies into four income groups (Low, Lower-Middle, Upper-Middle, and High) based on the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. GNI per capita is a measure of the average income per person in a country.
Step-by-step analysis of options:
- Option (a) GDP growth rate: This measures the speed at which an economy is growing, not the absolute level of income used for classification.
- Option (b) Per capita income: Correct. The World Bank specifically uses GNI per capita (expressed in US dollars using the Atlas method) to categorize countries.
- Option (c) Employment rate: This measures the percentage of the labor force that is employed, which is a labor market indicator, not an income classification metric.
- Option (d) Population size: This is a demographic measure and does not indicate the economic wealth or income level of a country.
Who are the NASA astronauts stranded in space for nine months?
A)
Sunita Reeves and Bobby Wilmore
B)
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore
C)
Sunny Williams and Buck Wilmore
D)
Sona Williams and Burt Wilmore
The question refers to the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test (CFT). Astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Butch Wilmore launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 for what was intended to be an eight-day mission. However, due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft's thrusters and helium leaks, NASA decided it was too risky to return them on the Boeing craft. Consequently, they remained on the ISS and are scheduled to return via a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft in early 2025, extending their stay by several months.
- Option (a) is incorrect because 'Reeves' and 'Bobby' are incorrect names.
- Option (c) is incorrect because 'Sunny' and 'Buck' are misspellings of their names.
- Option (d) is incorrect because 'Sona' and 'Burt' are incorrect names.
Which of the following is the highest peak in India?
A)
Nanda Devi
B)
Kangchenjunga
C)
Mount Everest
D)
Anamudi
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Kangchenjunga (Option b):** With an elevation of 8,586 meters, it is the highest mountain peak located within India (situated on the border between India and Nepal). It is widely recognized as the highest peak in India.
2. **Nanda Devi (Option a):** This is the highest peak located entirely within India's borders, but it is lower than Kangchenjunga.
3. **Mount Everest (Option c):** While it is the highest peak in the world, it is located in Nepal and China, not India.
4. **Anamudi (Option d):** This is the highest peak in South India (Western Ghats), but it is significantly lower than the Himalayan peaks.
Note: While K2 (Godwin-Austen) is higher than Kangchenjunga, it is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region (PoK), and in most standard Indian competitive exams, Kangchenjunga is the accepted answer for the highest peak in India unless K2 is specifically listed and the context specifies the disputed territory.
Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India?
A)
T.N. Seshan
B)
B.B. Tandon
C)
Sukumar Sen
D)
V.S. Ramadevi
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The question asks for the identity of the first Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.
2. Based on historical records and the provided reference context, Sukumar Sen was an Indian civil servant who served as the 1st Chief Election Commissioner of India from March 21, 1950, to December 19, 1958.
3. Under his leadership, the Election Commission successfully conducted India's first two general elections (1951-52 and 1957).
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) T.N. Seshan: He was a highly influential CEC known for implementing strict electoral reforms, but he served much later (1990-1996).
- Option (b) B.B. Tandon: He served as a CEC, but was not the first.
- Option (d) V.S. Ramadevi: She was the first woman to serve as an Election Commissioner, but not the first CEC.
Germany and which country jointly developed the Taurus KEPD-350 missile?
A)
China
B)
India
C)
Russia
D)
Sweden
The Taurus KEPD-350 is a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile. It was developed as a joint venture between Germany and Sweden. Specifically, it was produced by a consortium consisting of MBDA (a European missile systems company) and Taurus Systems GmbH, which involved cooperation between German and Swedish defense industries to meet the requirements of the German and Swedish air forces.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. China: China develops its own indigenous missile systems and does not have a joint venture with Germany for the Taurus missile.
- b. India: India primarily sources its cruise missiles from Russia (like the BrahMos joint venture) or develops them domestically (Agni series).
- c. Russia: Russia is a geopolitical rival to the NATO members (Germany and Sweden) who utilize the Taurus missile; they would not jointly develop such a weapon system.
The first Superintendent of the Lushai Hills was -
A)
John Shakespeare
B)
C.S. Murray
C)
V. Tregear
D)
Robert McCabe
The administration of the Lushai Hills (now Mizoram) was formally organized by the British after the Lushai Expedition. In 1890, the Lushai Hills were placed under the administration of the Chief Commissioner of Assam. Captain C.S. Murray was appointed as the first Superintendent of the Lushai Hills in 1890, establishing the administrative headquarters at Aizawl.
Analysis of other options:
- John Shakespeare: He was a prominent officer involved in the Lushai Expedition and early administration, but he was not the first Superintendent.
- V. Tregear: He was a later administrator and is well-known for his linguistic work and documentation of Mizo culture.
- Robert McCabe: He served as an officer in the region but did not hold the position of the first Superintendent.
Mahavira was the tirthankara.
A)
21%
B)
2204
C)
23"4
D)
24%
Lord Mahavira was the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism. A Tirthankara is a spiritual teacher who has conquered the cycle of death and rebirth and paved the way for others to achieve liberation (Moksha). While the options provided in the prompt contain typographical errors (e.g., '24%' instead of '24th'), in the context of competitive exams, 'd' is clearly intended to represent the number 24. The first Tirthankara was Rishabhanatha, and Mahavira, the 24th, reorganized the Jain community and philosophy into its current form.
The custom of ‘Mitthirawp lam’ belongs to -
A)
Ralte and Lusei clan
B)
Ralte, Lusei, Paite and Hmar clans
C)
All the Mizo tribes
D)
Lusei only
The 'Mitthirawp lam' is a traditional Mizo dance. In the context of Mizo cultural history and ethnographic studies, this specific dance is associated with the Ralte and Lusei clans. While many Mizo dances are shared across various tribes, the Mitthirawp lam is specifically attributed to these two groups. Options b and c are incorrect because they overextend the custom to tribes like the Paite and Hmar or all Mizo tribes, and option d is incorrect because it excludes the Ralte clan, who also practice this custom.
Which of the following best describes “Social Protection’?
A)
Policies aimed at reducing budget deficits
B)
Programs that provide security against economic risks and vulnerabilities
C)
Privatization of social services
D)
Measures to encourage international trade
Social Protection refers to a set of policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting economic and social security for all. It encompasses a wide range of interventions, including social insurance (e.g., pensions, unemployment benefits), social assistance (e.g., cash transfers, food stamps), and labor market interventions. The primary goal is to protect individuals and families from shocks such as illness, disability, old age, or sudden loss of income.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) refers to 'Fiscal Policy' or 'Austerity Measures,' which are economic strategies to manage government spending, not social welfare.
- Option (c) refers to 'Privatization,' which is the transfer of ownership from the public sector to the private sector, often the opposite of state-led social protection.
- Option (d) refers to 'Trade Liberalization' or 'Economic Diplomacy,' which focuses on global commerce rather than the domestic social security of citizens.
The Tourism minister of Mizoram is -
A)
Lalrinpuii
B)
Prof. Lalnilawma
C)
Dr. Vanlalthlana
D)
Lalnghinglova Hmar
In the current administration of the Government of Mizoram, Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar holds the portfolio of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and State Independence.
Analysis of other options:
- Lalrinpuii: Not the Tourism Minister.
- Prof. Lalnilawma: Holds other portfolios (such as Education/Higher Education).
- Dr. Vanlalthlana: Holds other portfolios (such as Health and Family Welfare).
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
In India, which body releases the Poverty Line estimates?
A)
NITI Aayog
B)
Reserve Bank of India
C)
Ministry of Finance
D)
National Statistical Office
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Historically, poverty estimates in India were conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) based on consumption expenditure surveys.
2. In 2019, the Government of India merged the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to form a single entity called the National Statistical Office (NSO).
3. The NSO, which operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), is now the official body responsible for collecting data and releasing the estimates used to determine the poverty line in India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- NITI Aayog: While NITI Aayog (formerly the Planning Commission) used to formulate the poverty line based on data provided by the NSSO, the actual data collection and estimation process is handled by the statistical office.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The RBI is India's central bank and focuses on monetary policy, banking regulation, and currency management, not on poverty estimation.
- Ministry of Finance: While it manages the budget and fiscal policy, it does not conduct the primary statistical surveys required to estimate the poverty line.